Run the AC in winter?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

phlegm · 10-24-2005, 10:15 AM

My AC is not thought to leek refrig. admittedly I did not have it charged long enough before the compressor clutch went out to know for sure. If I wait till spring to change the compressor clutch, and the system is truley closed will it cause problems? I know most manuals tell you to run the AC once a month even in the winter. If this is true I need to go ahead and repair that clutch.

thanks

64fleetside · 10-24-2005, 10:24 AM

A/C is just like anything else, if it is used regularly it is better for it than sitting idle. But it really shouldn't hurt it either to sit unused thru winter, but I would fix it for those humid rainy days here inthe winter when glass fogs inside. Brian

sneakysnake · 10-24-2005, 10:25 AM

I'd save my money and wait and fix it and any other problems next spring when things begin to heat up.Otherwise you still may have to recharge it or fix a leak come summer time.

cdowns · 10-24-2005, 10:41 AM

i run my ac 12months a year

phlegm · 10-24-2005, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

i run my ac 12months a year

lol, you live in florida, and btw Be safe today!!

**Palf70Step** · 10-24-2005, 11:33 AM

Heck your in the south, just run iut all year like the rest of us

70c10 · 10-24-2005, 12:28 PM

Most cars kick the compressor on when you turn on your rear defroster.

**N2TRUX** · 10-24-2005, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

i run my ac 12months a year

Me too! My a/c is always on even if it's cold. I adjust the temp setting, but the a/c is still running....

To answer your question, I would fix it now as time permits. That will prevent it from locking up over the winter....

68 short step · 10-24-2005, 12:45 PM

i agree when drefrost is on so is your ac compressor. itll derfrost your windows faster.

4x4Poet · 10-24-2005, 01:20 PM

I haven't heard this discussed for years. What I've thought was the case is that A/C systems have oil in them (ester, etc.). That oil, spread throughout the system keeps not only the compressor, but the fittings, o-rings, whatever lubricated. Keeping parts lubricated keeps soft parts from drying out, cracking, deforming, or otherwise deteriorating and causing a leak. So, not running the A/C once a month or so lets the oil drain away from parts/fittings/etc. that need a constant, thorough coat of lubrication to stay serviceable so as to retain their sealing qualities.

But that's just what I've heard. Either I heard that from a family mechanic or from an auto maintenance BS session. Probably the latter, ya know...

1969 C/K CST · 10-24-2005, 02:05 PM

4x4poet-Same advice I got recently. Has to be something to it.

phlegm · 10-24-2005, 02:37 PM

Too logical not to have a lot of truth to it I agree. I will order the tool I need this week.

thanks!

70 shorty · 10-24-2005, 08:50 PM

I run mine almost every day in the DD but only because the defrost kicks it on automatically. I wish I could control when I wanted conditioned defrost or not. My car needs all the help it can get to get moving. The truck on the other hand probably has the same 2/60 air that most of our trucks have.

10-24-2005, 10:15 AM	#1
phlegm Still Green but learning Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Central NC Posts: 1,895	Run the AC in winter?? My AC is not thought to leek refrig. admittedly I did not have it charged long enough before the compressor clutch went out to know for sure. If I wait till spring to change the compressor clutch, and the system is truley closed will it cause problems? I know most manuals tell you to run the AC once a month even in the winter. If this is true I need to go ahead and repair that clutch. thanks __________________ -- Cory 71 Cheyenne 10 - SWB, 350, "3 on the tree" AC cab 07 Suburban LTZ 4x4 2010 Acura TL 98 Mastercraft "FrankenStar" 225 27253 UPS/USPS IIOY....nope never was

10-24-2005, 10:24 AM	#2
64fleetside Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: arkieland Posts: 1,070	Re: Run the AC in winter?? A/C is just like anything else, if it is used regularly it is better for it than sitting idle. But it really shouldn't hurt it either to sit unused thru winter, but I would fix it for those humid rainy days here inthe winter when glass fogs inside. Brian

10-24-2005, 10:25 AM	#3
sneakysnake It's a catastrophic success. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,077	Re: Run the AC in winter?? I'd save my money and wait and fix it and any other problems next spring when things begin to heat up.Otherwise you still may have to recharge it or fix a leak come summer time.

10-24-2005, 10:41 AM	#4
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Run the AC in winter?? i run my ac 12months a year __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

10-24-2005, 11:33 AM	#6
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,466	Re: Run the AC in winter?? Heck your in the south, just run iut all year like the rest of us __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

10-24-2005, 12:28 PM	#7
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,856	Re: Run the AC in winter?? Most cars kick the compressor on when you turn on your rear defroster. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads Last edited by 70c10; 10-24-2005 at 12:28 PM.

10-24-2005, 12:45 PM	#9
68 short step Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: tulsa OK Posts: 3,070	Re: Run the AC in winter?? i agree when drefrost is on so is your ac compressor. itll derfrost your windows faster.

10-24-2005, 01:20 PM	#10
4x4Poet Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: "Under Montana skies." Posts: 1,836	Re: Run the AC in winter?? I haven't heard this discussed for years. What I've thought was the case is that A/C systems have oil in them (ester, etc.). That oil, spread throughout the system keeps not only the compressor, but the fittings, o-rings, whatever lubricated. Keeping parts lubricated keeps soft parts from drying out, cracking, deforming, or otherwise deteriorating and causing a leak. So, not running the A/C once a month or so lets the oil drain away from parts/fittings/etc. that need a constant, thorough coat of lubrication to stay serviceable so as to retain their sealing qualities. But that's just what I've heard. Either I heard that from a family mechanic or from an auto maintenance BS session. Probably the latter, ya know... __________________ '71 GMC K20 Suburban, '71 GMC K10 Suburban, '72 Chevy C10 CST Suburban, '72 Chevy K20 clunker pickup.

10-24-2005, 02:05 PM	#11
1969 C/K CST A.K.A- Crummy Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NC foothills Posts: 3,025	Re: Run the AC in winter?? 4x4poet-Same advice I got recently. Has to be something to it. __________________ 2003 Silverado Z71 Are fishermen all liars?

10-24-2005, 02:37 PM	#12
phlegm Still Green but learning Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Central NC Posts: 1,895	Re: Run the AC in winter?? Too logical not to have a lot of truth to it I agree. I will order the tool I need this week. thanks! __________________ -- Cory 71 Cheyenne 10 - SWB, 350, "3 on the tree" AC cab 07 Suburban LTZ 4x4 2010 Acura TL 98 Mastercraft "FrankenStar" 225 27253 UPS/USPS IIOY....nope never was

10-24-2005, 08:50 PM	#13
70 shorty Where's my beer? Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Glen Allen, VA Posts: 1,772	Re: Run the AC in winter?? I run mine almost every day in the DD but only because the defrost kicks it on automatically. I wish I could control when I wanted conditioned defrost or not. My car needs all the help it can get to get moving. The truck on the other hand probably has the same 2/60 air that most of our trucks have. __________________ 70 C10, shortstep, .30 over 250,Hurst shifted 3 spd parts hauler. Holley 390, Clifford Intake, Header, ported cylinder head, unknown bigger cam. 79 Corvette L82, 4 spd, black, red interior, headers, flowmasters, and unkown bigger cam. '03 Grand Cherokee Laredo, 4.0 4x4 daily driver. 165K miles, and runs great '08 Tahoe LTZ 4x4 155K

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